[By Janaka Alahapperuma]

Seven new foreign envoys including five Ambassadors and two High Commissioners taking assignments in Sri Lanka presented their credentials to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at a ceremony which was held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning on 04 October.

The new diplomats assuming duties were,

• His Excellency Rashid Bin Shafea Saeed Shafea Al Fahaida – Ambassador of the State of Qatar
• His Excellency Min Thein Zan – Ambassador of the Union of Myanmar
• His Excellency David Daly – Ambassador of the European Union
• His Excellency Jean Paul Monachau – Ambassador of France
• His Excellency Mahamoud Hisham Mohamed Assran – Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt
• His Excellency Brig. Gen. Patrick Rumedyo Tembo (Rtd) – High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia
• His Excellency Bothata Tsikoane – High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Lesotho

Thereafter the new diplomats joined in a discussion with the President. Welcoming new envoys to the credential ceremony the President said that they are all joining their assignments at a crucial time when the country is getting ready for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) – 2013 in Colombo. The Commonwealth Summit which is scheduled to be held in November will undoubtedly be the largest conference ever organised by the Sri Lankan Government. The President further noted that Sri Lanka’s economy is at a rapid growth after eliminating thirty years of terrorism and the Government’s rehabilitation, reconciliation, resettlement, reconstruction and development process have achieved a huge amount of progress within a short period of time. The President also said Sri Lanka seeks to work with the international community and requested their support to rebuild post war Sri Lanka, which would create an environment for the progress and prosperity of people.

The new envoys pledged to work diligently to strengthen bi-lateral relations as well as their goodwill and assistance for government’s development projects. They also promised to provide their fullest support and participation for the forthcoming CHOGM Conference in Sri Lanka.

The credential presentation ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of External Affairs Neomal Perera, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of External Affairs, senior officials of the Ministry, senior members representing Sri Lanka Security Forces and officials of the respective missions.

Pix By: Sudath Silva